METROPOLITAN LIBRARIES SECTION of IFLA (formerly INTAMEL) —
Conference 2004
“Library as a Fusion Space: Possibilities and Opportunities”
26 September – 1 October 2004, Singapore
The Changing Times – how the Hong Kong Public Libraries evolved to meet the
information needs of the 21st Century
Terry Lee
Chief Librarian, Hong Kong Public Libraries, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Public Libraries’ aim is “to provide the public with free library and
information services in order to meet the community’s growing needs for information,
lifelong learning, research, cultural enrichment and recreation”.
There have been many significant developments within the Hong Kong Public
Libraries (HKPL) since the establishment of the first library in Hong Kong in 1962
serving the then population of 3.4 million1. With the projected population growth to
7.5 million2 in 2010, the role of the HKPL has branched out from the traditional role of
public libraries in providing the public with books for home-reading, to the provision of
diversified library and information services to meet the community’s information needs
through application of modern age technology.
BACKGROUND
Before 2000, public libraries were operated by the two Municipal Councils - the
Regional Council and the Urban Council, serving the rural and urban areas of Hong
Kong respectively.
In 2000, the two Councils were dissolved and responsibility of
the public libraries was passed to a newly formed government department - the
1
Hong Kong: report for the year 1963.
2
Projections of population distribution 2003-2012.
Hong Kong: Government Press, 1964.
Hong Kong: Planning Department, 2003.
Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and this paper is focused on the
developments of HKPL since the setting up of the LCSD.
The merging of the two public library systems has provided a timely opportunity
for effective deployment of resources for public library services in Hong Kong. The
opening of the Central Library in 2001 had led to the rapid growth in library collection.
The library stock has increased by 32.1% from 7.84 million items (1.14 items per
capita) in 1999 to the current 10.34 million items (1.5 items per capita). In parallel,
the number of items on loan has also soared to a record high of 59.59 million items in
2003/04, representing an increase of 83.7% over that of 1999.
STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED
To meet the needs of the growing population, strategic plans were implemented
for the renovation of the existing libraries, building of more new libraries, further
development of library stock, enhancement of existing library services and the use of
information technology (IT).
Continual efforts have also been made to encourage
readers’ use of library services and facilities through creative users’ education and
reading programmes.
MAJOR PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES
1.
Renovation and building of new libraries
Since January 2000, the LCSD has opened the Hong Kong Central Library, a
library of 33,000m2 serving as the main information centre of the library system, 2
district libraries, 2 small libraries and relocated 2 district libraries to larger premises.
The new libraries put more emphasis on reference and information services and the
provision of spacious and pleasant environment for research and reading purpose,
particularly for students who face cramped conditions in schools or at homes.
Comfortable seating for reading is also a main feature of these new libraries. To
encourage the search of information through application of IT, standalone multimedia
workstations and Computer & Information Centres are also provided in all major
libraries and most district libraries.
At present, the LCSD operates a total of 71 public libraries including 8 mobile
libraries and plans are in hand to open another 2 district libraries, 2 small libraries and
1 mobile library in the next 2 years.
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Since 2000, HKPL has also been actively involved in a Renovation Project to
refurbish libraries with over ten years of service. The Project covering some 20
libraries is expected to be completed by 2008.
The existing eight mobile libraries have also gone through a facelift to take on a
new exterior design and the application of modern technology has enabled the mobile
libraries to be connected to the library automation system through mobile network to
provide online charging and discharging of library materials, as well as public access
to the library catalogue.
2.
Reference and Information Services
The HKPL has made the following provisions to enhance its reference and
information services:
Reference services in the Central and major libraries
Reference and information services are provided at the Central Library and the
five major libraries – the City Hall, Kowloon, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun
public libraries. The Reference Library in the Hong Kong Central Library has six
subject departments, an Arts Resource Centre, Hong Kong Literature Room, Map
Library, Language Learning Centre, Young Adult Library and a Toy Library.
It
features a comprehensive collection of electronic materials to include electronic books,
electronic journals, CD-ROMs, online databases and multi-media programmes, all of
which are available for online access by the public.
The number of reference
enquiries handled by the library system has increased by 24.4% over the past three
years.
Business and Industry Library in City Hall Public Library
The City Hall Reference Library has been renovated and developed into a
Business and Industry Library.
Artwork on loan
An ‘Artwork on Loan’ scheme has been launched jointly with the Hong Kong Arts
Development Council since August 2003.
Under the Scheme, each reader and
institution can borrow a maximum of two to five pieces of artwork respectively for a
loan period of 30 days from the Arts Resources Centre of the Hong Kong Central
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Library.
The artworks being reproductions of the works of local artists are provided
by the Arts Development Council.
Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre
In November 2003, a Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre was set up in
the City Hall Public Library under a joint project with the Creative Initiatives
Foundation. The Centre aims to strengthen education in innovative and creative
thinking and foster a deeper understanding of the potential of creativity, thereby
enriching the creative culture in Hong Kong.
Internet Reference Enquiry Service
HKPL has just launched an Internet Reference Enquiry Service enabling the
public to submit their reference enquiries through Internet.
Reply to requests for
simple and factual information obtainable from published sources or Websites would
be provided within two working days.
For those which require lengthy research,
suggested sources would be provided within ten working days.
Basic Law Library
In April 2003, the Department signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the Basic Law Institute to set up of a Basic Law Library at the City Hall
Public Library.
The Library is scheduled for opening in October, 2004.
In addition to
materials relating to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
the library will provide over 8,000 volumes of books and periodicals, Internet and
Online Database workstations, CD-ROM workstation, Multimedia Information System
workstation and Online Public Access Catalogue terminal.
Education Resource Centre
Plans are in hand to set up an Education Resource Centre at the Kowloon Public
Library.
3.
Enhanced use of information technology
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Library Automation System
A new library automation system was installed by the HKPL in 2001.
The
system has greatly enhanced the efficiency in service delivery of the library system.
The library automation system currently handles over 60 million loans transactions
per year and is one of the largest library computerized system with the English and
Chinese capabilities.
Computer & Information Centre
Computer & Information Centres (CIC) for promoting computer literacy and
bridging the digital divide are provided in the Central Library, all major libraries and
most district libraries.
The CICs, each with an average of 20 sets of networked
microcomputers, provide the public with free access to Internet and commonly used
application software.
24 hours Internet services
HKPL now provides 24-hour Internet library services for online searching,
reservation and renewal of library materials.
In 2003, over 14 million items of library
materials were renewed through the Internet and Telephone Renewal Services.
Furthermore, readers are now also able to read the HKPL e-book collection online.
With the growing popularity of on-line public library services, the Hong Kong Public
Libraries homepage (www.hkpl.gov.hk) was ranked fifth among the popular websites
in Hong Kong in 2003.
e-Newsletter
To provide the public with speedy access to library news with a view to promote
library services and facilities, an e-Newsletter of the Hong Kong Public Libraries was
introduced. The electronic version of the Newsletter is now available for subscription
through online registration.
Self service terminals
Self service terminals have been installed in 26 libraries and plans are in hand to
install self-service terminals in the remaining libraries within this year to encourage
self-service in the libraries.
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Multimedia Information System
The opening of the Hong Kong Central Library in May 2001 also marks an
important milestone in local public library services, particularly with the introduction of
the Multimedia Information System which provides access to over 100,000 audio and
video items and over 2 million images of old Hong Kong newspapers, maps, Hong
Kong art and artist clippings, photographs, manuscripts and so on.
Remote access
to the system is now extended to 26 major and district libraries in the territory and the
service is also available through the Internet.
In April 2003, the system has been included in the Archives Portal of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - a website
where archivists and researchers may study the history and culture of different
nations. It has also won the award for the Best of E-Government and Services
Award at the 2002 Asia Pacific Information and Communication Technology Awards
(APICTA) in Malaysia.
Use of Smart ID Card as Library Card
In parallel with the launching of the new Hong Kong Special Administration
Region (HKSAR) Smart ID Card in June 2003, HKPL has provided Hong Kong
citizens an option to use their Smart ID Cards as library cards to borrow, renew and
reserve library materials. In addition, computer terminals with Internet access were
installed with e-Cert compatible Smart Card readers to promote wider use of
information technology and electronic services among the public.
E-mail Notification
In December 2003, email notification service was introduced to enable registered
readers to receive overdue and reservation notices through email, thereby enhancing
service efficiency and economy of paper.
4.
Support of life-long learning
Library Cards for all School Children Scheme
To encourage students to make good use of library services, the HKPL and the
Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) which is responsible for the formulation of
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education policies and oversees the implementation of education programmes in Hong Kong,
have jointly launched the “Library Cards for All School Children Scheme” in January
2003 to provide group registration for library cards for primary school students.
Project Yi Jin (毅進計劃)
Project Yi Jin offered by the EMB is designed to offer continuing education for
secondary school graduates or adults over 21 with the intention of continuing
education.
HKPL supports the project by including the course materials of Project Yi
Jin in the Quick Reference Section of district libraries and Reference Library in the
Central and major libraries for students’ reference.
Open University Collection
Complete set of course materials of The Open University of Hong Kong are
currently stocked in 15 public libraries providing the public with convenient access to
the course materials.
Collaborate with professional organizations in book selection
To strengthen the library collection to meet readers’ needs, HKPL has since
2002 collaborated with professional bodies and academic organizations by inviting
them to make recommendations on library materials for purchase to enrich the library
collection.
5. User education programmes
User education sessions such as teaching the public how to search on the use of
Online Public Access Catalogue, various online databases, CD-ROMs, MMIS and the
Internet are held regularly in the libraries to promote better use of library services and
facilities.
6.
Outreach programmes
Outreach programmes form an indispensable part of library services.
Educational and recreational programmes like children's hours, book displays and
exhibitions, thematic talks, seminars, interest clubs and group visits are organized
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throughout the year.
In 2003, the libraries organized a total of 15,248 library
outreach programmes attracting an attendance of 16,044,363.
Promotion of Reading
Year-round reading programmes specially designed for children and teenagers
are met with enthusiastic response. A variety of reading-related activities such as
“Meet the Author” sessions and large scale summer reading programmes are
regularly organized to promote reading.

Ten Recommended Good Books
The “Ten Recommended Good Books” programme is jointly held with Radio
Television Hong Kong for the 11th year. In the programme, celebrities from different
walks of life were invited to share their reading experience with readers in person as
well as through radio programmes produced specially for the event. Quizzes and
traveling exhibitions were held in conjunction to promote the activity.

Book Donation and Sale Campaign
The Book Donation and Sale Campaign to encourage the sharing of books and
support recycling has turned out to be a welcomed annual event.
from the public were collected and resold for charity.
Book donations
In February 2004, 162,000
volumes were sold in two days, raising $810,000 for the Community Chest, a charity
organization in Hong Kong.
Promotion of Literary Arts
The public libraries also play an active role in promoting literary arts.
Special
programmes and territory-wide competitions are regularly held with an aim to promote
creative writing, appreciation and development of literary arts.
Major events include
the Awards for Creative Writing in Chinese, Chinese Poetry Writing Competition,
Competition on Story Writing in Chinese for Students, Hong Kong Biennial Awards for
Chinese Literature, the biennial Hong Kong Literature Festival which was jointly
organized with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
The winning entries in the
competitions have been published by the HKPL and so far, 102 titles of Chinese
literary books have been published.
7.
Customer service
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Staff training
To foster better work knowledge and experience, HKPL continually sponsor
para-professionals to ascertain professional qualification in pursue of postgraduate
Diploma in Librarianship and encourage experience sharing through the organization
of workshops, talks and seminars.
HKPL emphasize on the provision of customer service training for all library staff
to equip them with the interpersonal skills in dealing with the wide variety of user
needs.
It is believed that ‘quality’ customer service plays an important role to
encourage public use of library services and facilities which in turn, is an important
factor to support the role of a public librarian and the physical building that electronic
resources could not entirely replace.
Customer Liaison Groups and regular meetings with School Librarians
HKPL holds discussion groups with library users annually to gather their
comments for improvement of library services and facilities and promote reading.
Regular meetings are also held regularly with school librarians on the provision
of library services to support the school curriculum.
Public Opinion Survey on Hong Kong Public Libraries
Public opinion surveys on HKPL and benchmark survey on services provided by
the LCSD are also conducted bi-annually. The public opinion survey on HKPL covers
both library users and non-users.
For library users, the objectives are to obtain
information about the characteristics of library users and to collect their opinions on
the services and facilities provided by the libraries and future needs.
For the
non-users, the objectives are to find out the socio-economic profile of this group and
to collect information for an in-depth understanding of their reasons for not using the
libraries and the type of services that would encourage their use. The information
collected from the survey should enable HKPL to have a better understanding of the
characteristics and requirements of users and non-users at district level so that
suitable improvement measures and promotional strategies could be developed.
Moreover, it was expected that the survey results would throw light on the usage
pattern and needs of users for different category of libraries and age groups.
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In addition, the public are encouraged to provide their opinions and views of the
library service through Library Hotline, suggestion boxes in libraries and the Library
Home Page.
Feedbacks from library users and non-users, opinion gathered from
focus groups and stakeholders and performance indicators on the use of library
services and facilities, all form the backbone for consideration in framing for the future
development HKPL.
Consultancy Study on the Future Development of the Hong Kong Public Libraries
The Consultancy Study on Future Development of Hong Kong Public Libraries to
develop a strategic plan for library services and study the institutional arrangements of
the HKPL was completed in November 2002.
held in the first quarter of 2003.
Public consultation on the study was
The Consultant’s recommendations and comments
received during the consultation period would be duly considered in formulating future
strategy for library services.
WAY FORWARD
It is believed that public libraries play an important role not only to serve public
needs for information, research, lifelong learning and leisure reading, but aesthetic
library buildings themselves are also meeting places for information exchange to
create synergy for a learned society which electronic services could not cater for.
HKPL would continue to strive for service excellence to meet the expectations of
the community, to provide a customer oriented library services by embracing core
values of professionalism, creativity and continuous improvement.
©Hong Kong Public Libraries September 2004
Information on the Hong Kong Public Libraries are available at http://www.hkpl.gov.hk
Enquiries can be addressed to Terry Lee, Chief Librarian at twmlee@lcsd.gov.hk
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